Leandro Barbosa struggles in return to Phoenix Suns

Phoenix Suns' Channing Frye, left, sets a pick on Minnesota Timberwolves' Alexey Shved, right, of Russia, as Leandro Barbosa, of Brazil, drives by in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

Leandro Barbosa's first NBA game in nearly a year probably didn't go quite like he planned.

Despite excelling in eight games in the Brazilian league (NBB) and averaging 20.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists and shooting 50 percent from 3-point range, Barbosa struggled in his return to the NBA and Phoenix Suns after tearing his left ACL while with the Boston Celtics in February.

Barbosa scored three points on 1-of-6 shooting while dishing three assists and grabbing three rebounds in Wednesday's 104-103 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. But while Barbosa's stat line was rather pedestrian, his health shouldn't be a concern -- he showed flashes of the speed and explosiveness that made him a fan favorite in his first go-around with Phoenix.

About the Author

Alex Williams
School: University of Akron, University of Arizona
When you started with Bonneville Phoenix: Sept., 2013
Favorite sports memory: Tie between flying from Akron, Ohio to Phoenix to be at the 2008 NFC Championship and being at Game 7 of the 2001 World Series
Favorite all-time athlete: Jim Thome
Favorite sports movies: Tin Cup, Major League, The Waterboy
Most crushing sports moment: Santonio Holmes' go-ahead touchdown in Super Bowl 43